Join the Hilltopper Family

Can you see yourself making a positive impact at WKU? We offer an inviting and challenging work environment, responsive to the needs of a diverse and ambitious learning community. See our open faculty and staff positions. Employment Website.

Jon Kay

Director, Traditional Arts Indiana

Graduated: 1997

Where do you currently work?

I direct Traditional Arts Indiana, a partnership between IU and the Indiana Arts Commission. As part of my work, I
have produced documentary videos, hosted public events, curated public exhibitions,
provided training to artists and community scholars, as well as other activities,
which strengthen and deepen Indiana's folk and traditional arts infrastructure.

Tell me a bit about your career?

It all started with a class with Warren Roberts at Indiana University. He planted
the seed of my interest in Indiana folklore. Being interested in public sector, I
chose to go to WKU, as the only program at the time that focused on the scholarship
and techniques of public folklore. While at WKU, I learned much from Michael Ann Williams
about folk art, folklore history and theory, which prepared me for my career. I do
not think I would be doing what I am today if I had not gone to Western Kentucky.
While at WKU I also worked with Bob Gates as a folklorist in parks Eastern Kentucky.
Right out of Western, I worked a long series of contract jobs for: Kentucky Arts Council,
Vanceburg Bicentennial Festival, Kentucky Folklife Festival, Historical Museum of
Southern Florida, and Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center. Since then I have worked
as a folklorist in Florida, where I directed the Florida Folk Festival and served
as the president of the Florida Folklore Society before returning to Indiana in 2004.

How has folklore prepared you for your career?

I think WKU's connection with the Kentucky Folklife Program cannot be under estimated.
While I think back fondly about my time at WKU, I think my experiences with KFP, really
jump-started my career. I think the faculty's blending of academic scholarship and
public practice made WKU the perfect place to begin my professional career.